Section 9

Steps for Selecting and Implementing Choices

Simply knowing about all of the commuter options does not make it easy to
determine which ones may work best for a particular worksite. Commuter Choice
programs are not one size fits all. Strategies should be selected
based on the type of business, worksite location, employee commuting needs
and attitudes, availability of commute options, and management support. Not
all options work for all worksites and employees. The following provides some
guidance on how to select the most appropriate strategies.

WHAT ARE THE BEST STRATEGIES FOR A SPECIFIC WORKSITE?

In order to develop a program that best suits specific employer needs, it
is important to first collect information and identify certain characteristics
of the worksite and its employees. For example, is the site served by transit
and/or other alternative transportation services, can employees shift their
work schedules to accommodate a bus/train or vanpool schedule, do employees
live near one another so they can form rideshare arrangements, is there limited
employee parking, does the employer provide free parking, and how far do employees
commute to work? The responses to these and other questions lead to the type
of strategies that will entice employees to choose a commute option alternative.

The Interactive Guidance Tool of the CCDSS provides a list of questions regarding
worksite and employee characteristics that will assist in determining the
most appropriate strategies for a particular employer. Based on responses
to these questions, the CCDSS will provide a set of recommended strategies.
These recommendations represent potential strategies that may be effective
based on the information provided. If answers are incomplete, additional worksite
research may be needed. Some employers conduct an employee survey to determine
their needs and attitudes about commuting. Others hold focus groups with employees
and key members of management to collect information that will help in determining
the most effective and appealing strategies. A sample employee survey is provided
at the end of this section and on the compact disc.

STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING A COMMUTER CHOICE PROGRAM

After the CCDSS process has been completed and recommendations identified,
the next step is to begin implementing the identified strategies. Following
are a few tips on how to get started:

Form a Task ForceIdentify the departments and employees that
will need to provide input or assistance to the Commuter Choice program. These
usually include representatives from Human Resources, Facilities, Finance,
Tax Department, Transportation, and any unions or groups that may be represented
at the site. Union representatives especially should be involved if you are
considering changing work schedules or any employee policy such as parking
benefits. Form a Commuter Choice Task Force to assist in developing the program.

Assign a Lead PersonJust like any employer-sponsored program,
you will need a person to be responsible for coordinating the activities.
This person will need to be responsible for the daily and overall operations
of the program. Keep in mind that the person who develops the program is not
always the right person to manage the daily activities.

Gain Management SupportNo program will be successful if you
do not have support from all levels of management, especially upper management.
Be prepared to show management the benefits of a Commuter Choice program.
This support will be needed when you ask for resources to implement the program.

Canvas or Survey EmployeesIn order to gain more knowledge about
what specific strategies will be most appealing to your employees, conduct
a survey or focus group to determine their commuting habits and needs.

Determine Specific Strategies to ImplementStarting with the
recommendations from the CCDSS and based on input from employees and the Task
Force, determine specific strategies to implement. It is sometimes best to
start a new program with a few high-potential strategies instead of trying
to implement all possible options. You can always enhance the program after
it is started.

Establish a BudgetWork with the Task Force to determine the
appropriate budget needed to implement the selected strategies. Remember,
the most effective strategies are not always the most costly. Sometimes it
is the way a strategy is implemented, rather than how much money is used,
that makes it more effective. However, a Commuter Choice program will cost
the employer something, even if it is just staff time. The greater the need,
the greater the level of resources that may be needed.

Market and PromoteOnce the program is developed and ready to
start, you will need to inform employees. Use employer newsletters, bulletin
boards, e-mail, and other internal communications methods to raise awareness
about the program. Let employees know what their commuting options are, what
assistance is available, and how they benefit from participating. Offer give-aways
for new participants and rewards for those who continue to participate. Promotion
of the program is an ongoing effort. Try new activities and messages so that
employees do not forget about their options.

Track SuccessThe time will come when management will ask about
the programs effectiveness. Be prepared by monitoring program activities.
Prepare status reports with information such as the number of participants,
number of vehicle miles reduced by the participants, and cost of the program.
Change or refine the program if it is not as effective as you need it to be.

Make Use of External ResourcesGet help from others
who have implemented Commuter Choice programs. There may be organizations
in your area that provide commuter services for employers. Contact these
organizations and other employers that have started a similar program
to get support in developing your own program. Refer to Section
10 to see what resources may be available in your area, such as a
regional rideshare or public transportation agency, a TMA, or other employer
network group that you could join.

The information in these guidance materials provides an overview of typical
Commuter Choice strategies and examples of their effectiveness. It should
be noted that the effectiveness of Commuter Choice activities in addressing
specific worksite needs depends on several factors, including the level of
effort and resources that are allocated to the program. Employers may need
to change or enhance a program periodically to determine the most effective
strategies for their needs. Refer back to the CCDSS and this document periodically
to get new ideas and locate additional resources.

Survey taken from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) "TDM
Toolkit," prepared by The Hoyt Company.